Chris Pratt Gives Impassioned Recitation of the Gospel of Luke at Disneyland’s Candlelight Ceremony

Chris Pratt Gives Impassioned Recitation of the Gospel of Luke at Disneyland’s Candlelight Ceremony



Disneyland lit up over the weekend as Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt gave an impassioned delivery of the Gospel of Luke during the park’s annual Candlelight Processional. In Chris Pratt style, he also added in a few of his own thoughts on the love of God.  


The exclusive processional is part of a tradition that has been going strong for decades, dating all the way back to the park’s opening in 1955. The event is one that is truly magical, featuring a processional of local choirs, a variety of Christmas songs performed by a live orchestra, candle lighting, a bell choir, and a retelling of the original Christmas story, this year told by Christian actor, Chris Pratt. 


Pratt took time in between songs to quote Scripture and shared a few personal experiences with the audience. At one point, he spoke of his own journey in fatherhood and compared it to God’s immense love for His children. 


“Being a parent has really changed my life in so many ways, and one of those ways is to understand truly the love that a father can have for a child,” Pratt stated.


“When I stare at this precious little creation of mine here, and I watch the ways in which he tries to please me, I just feel a love that is so pure, and unending,” the actor continued. “The way we love our children, and the more we love our children, the more we will…

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DCLM Daily Manna 4 December 2018 – Overcome That Temptation

Topic: Overcome That Temptation [DCLM Daily Manna 4 December 2018 Daily Devotional by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi]

Text: Matthew 4:1-11 (KJV)

Key Verse: “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil“ (Matthew 4:1).

MESSAGE:

Temptation is an allurement or enticement from the devil to make us do evil. Temptations, if not yielded to, are not sin. Satan’s temptations often start at the eye, blinded to things it should see, and dazzled with vanities it should be turned from. Temptations commonly rise from the world and the things in it; the lust of the flesh and the eye, with the pride of life. These are the major weapons the devil uses.

The experience of our Lord Jesus in the wilderness reveals that no one is free from or above temptation. Jesus was tempted when He was hungry. This made turning a stone into bread very proper for His necessary support. It is one of the wiles of Satan to take advantage of outward condition to plant his temptations. The use of unlawful means to get relief could bring setback to us. It is better to starve to death than live and thrive in sin.

The aim of Satan in all the series of temptation was to bring Jesus to sin against God and render Him incapable of making the Substitutionary Atonement for the sins of mankind. Had he succeeded, he would have been too glad to have Christ’s honour ceded to him.

Believers are to employ careful measures so as not to be caught in Satan’s web; knowing full well that the glory of the world is the most charming temptation to the unthinking and unwary. The comfort we have is in the fact that Christ conquered all the tempter’s tricks. He conquered for us. Hence, followers of Christ are given power to overcome all temptations and remain more than conquerors (Hebrews 2:18).

Thought For The Day: He who yields to temptation succumbs to Satan’s snare.

Bible Reading In One Year: 2 Corinthians 1-4

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read Deeper Christian Life Ministry, DCLM Daily Manna HERE

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post DCLM Daily Manna 4 December 2018 – Overcome That Temptation appeared first on Flatimes.

Seeds of Destiny 4 December 2018 Devotional: The Hand of the Lord – The Secret of Impact and Safety

Topic: The Hand of the Lord – The Secret of Impact and Safety [Seeds of Destiny 3 December 2018 Devotional]

Scripture: …The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him… Ezra 8:22.

Thought For The Day: When God releases His Hand on His people, He also releases safety, security and defence.

The Hand of the Lord is the secret of exemption from destruction in life. The Hand of God upon a person is also a trigger for impact in life and destiny. That is why nothing generational or impactful can be done by anyone without the Hand of the Lord upon a person. Nothing can stand the test of time and eternity without the Hand of the LORD.

When the Hand of the Lord is upon a man, what happens in his life is what only the energy of God can accomplish. When the Hand of the Lord is upon a person, it is not possible for him to move at the normal human pace.

The Hand of the Lord is also the guarantee of safety and security in life’s journey. When God releases His Hand on His people, He also releases safety, security and defence.

The Hand of the Lord forbids a person from existing as a waste-able material. No devil can waste a man who has the Hand of God on his/her life. The finger of the devil cannot survive in the life of the man who carries the Hand of God.

Today, I decree that the last time the devil molested or harassed you is the last time forever; where blood is wasted, yours shall never be wasted in Jesus’ Name.

Remember This: When God releases His Hand on His people, He also releases safety, security and defence.

Assignment:
1. Ask the Lord to release His Hand upon your life at the place of prayer.

Prayer: O Lord, lay Your Hands upon me. Your Hands are sufficient for my life and my destiny. Thank You Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: The man who is connected to the Mercy of God is no longer at the mercy of the devil. Culled from PRINCIPLES AND POWER OF PRAYER by Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 23:31 to 25:30, Acts 22:17 to 23:10, Psalm 2:1 to 12, Proverbs 18:13.

Amazing Fact: 80% of the brain is water.

Today In History: 04/12/2017 – The Lamborghini Urus is the world’s fastest SUV. Reaching speeds of 190 miles per hour.

Also Read: Click HERE to read Other Inspirational Messages by Pastor Paul Enenche

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post Seeds of Destiny 4 December 2018 Devotional: The Hand of the Lord – The Secret of Impact and Safety appeared first on Flatimes.

Our Daily Bread 4 December 2018 Devotional – Questions at Christmas

Topic: Questions at Christmas [Our Daily Bread 4 December 2018 Devotional]

Read: Matthew 16:13–21, Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 47–48; 1 John 3

“But what about you?” [Jesus] asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:15

Well before the calendar flips to December, Christmas cheer begins to bubble up in our northern town. A medical office drapes its trees and shrubs in close-fitting strings of lights, each a different color, illuminating a breathtaking nighttime landscape. Another business decorates its building to look like an enormous, extravagantly wrapped Christmas present. It’s difficult to turn anywhere without seeing evidence of Christmas spirit—or at least seasonal marketing.

Some people love these lavish displays. Others take a more cynical view. But the crucial question isn’t how others observe Christmas. Rather, we each need to consider what the celebration means to us.

A little more than thirty years after His birth, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13). They gave responses others had given: John the Baptist, Elijah, maybe another prophet. Then Jesus made it personal: “Who do you say I am?” (v. 15). Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16).

Many will celebrate Christmas without a thought about who the Baby really is. As we interact with them, we can help them consider these crucial questions: Is Christmas just a heartwarming story about a baby born in a stable? Or did our Creator visit His creation and become one of us?

Prayer: Father in heaven, may our Christmas celebrations this year, whether lavish or small, honor the Messiah who came to redeem His creation.

For more on the life of Christ, see christianuniversity.org/NT111.

Who do you say Jesus is?

INSIGHT:
Who was Matthew, the writer of the gospel by the same name? Matthew (also known as Levi) was one of Jesus’s twelve disciples. Prior to Jesus’s call, Matthew served as a despised tax collector (9:9). Tax collectors were particularly loathed because they exacted taxes from their own people, the Jews, to pay the Romans (the oppressive rulers of Israel). And they often collected far more than required. Matthew wrote his gospel primarily to the Jews to prove that Jesus is the Messiah (Savior), the eternal King. We see Matthew’s emphasis clearly in today’s passage. When Jesus asked His disciples about His identity, Peter declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (16:15–16). Alyson Kieda

Alyson Kieda

If you missed yesterday devotional, please click to read “Our Daily Bread Devotionals HERE”

This message was written By Tim Gustafson [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

The post Our Daily Bread 4 December 2018 Devotional – Questions at Christmas appeared first on Flatimes.

Remain voter Archbishop Dr John Sentamu explains why he backs EU withdrawal deal

Dr John Sentamu said rejecting the proposed deal “without the prospect of an alternative” would be to “betray” the trust people have placed in politicians.

In a letter published by the Yorkshire Post, he said: “To act in ways that bring about the collapse of a government’s position without the prospect of an alternative would be to betray the trust we place in our representatives.”

 

Acknowledging how he voted to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum, Dr John warned that holding a second referendum on Brexit would undermine public trust and established decision-making procedures.

He continued: “Our first concern must be maintaining respect for democratic law-making institutions, which are under heavier pressure today than for more than a century.

 

“Permanent loss of confidence in governmental institutions always results in civil unrest and violence.”

The Anglican leader also wrote about the need to preserve “positive relations” with “those who have been our neighbours immemorially, and will be our neighbours so long as life continues on this…

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Middle East Christians Face ‘Extinction’ from Radical Islam, Archbishop of Canterbury Warns

Middle East Christians Face ‘Extinction’ from Radical Islam, Archbishop of Canterbury Warns



The archbishop of Canterbury says Christians in the Middle East face extinction from radical Islam and need help from the worldwide community if they are going to survive.  


“Christians face daily the threat of violence, murder, intimidation, prejudice and poverty,” Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby wrote in a Sunday column for The Telegraph. “In the last few years, they have been slaughtered by so-called Islamic State, and in many countries they find themselves squeezed between the upper and lower millstones of pressure on them within society and of conflicts that afflict the region.


“Many have left,” Welby added. “Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes. Many have been killed, enslaved and persecuted or forcibly converted. Even those who remain ask the question, ‘Why stay?’”


Welby is urging the United Kingdom to take in Christian refugees. 


“Across the region Christian communities that were the foundation of the universal Church now face the threat of imminent extinction,” he wrote. “We must support and help them in every way we can. Where they wish to leave, they will be refugees in need of asylum. Where, courageously and by the grace of God, they choose to remain, they need publicity and external, visible support.”


Christianity, Welby noted, was birthed in the Middle East, where the…

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Open Heaven 4 December 2018 – When you need a Miracle

Open Heaven 4 December 2018 Tuesday Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – When you need a Miracle

Topic: When you need a Miracle (Open Heaven 4 December 2018)

Memorise: “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”- John 11:40

Read: Matthew 8:5-13 (KJV)

5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Bible in One Year: Ezekiel 43-44, John 7:1-24

Open Heaven 4 December 2018 Tuesday MESSAGE:

There is a different key that opens each door in a house. This fact of life also applies to the things of God. There are certain things you must do in order to receive a miracle at any point in time. The most important key to open the door of miracles is the act of exercising faith. The fact that you have been in church for decades does not guarantee that you have the kind of faith that can get you the miracle you desire. In the story behind today’s memory verse, despite Mary and Martha’s closeness with Jesus Christ, their faith was so weak that they did not believe their brother could be raised from the dead. Jesus had to prop up their faith by admonishing them to believe in order to see the glory of God. In contrast to this in today’s Bible reading, we see a manifestation of great faith that received commendation from our Lord. The centurion had faith that Jesus did not need to be physically present with his critically ill servant before He could heal him. Remarkably, it was the Lord Himself who described the centurion’s faith as “great”! I pray that you will also begin to walk in this type of faith in Jesus’ Name.

Do you know that there are times when the faith of a member of the congregation is greater than that of the pastor? There is this testimony of one of my daughters who came to me for prayer that God should change the sex of her baby from female to male because the husband said he would send her packing if she gave birth to another female child. As I tried to persuade her to accept the will of God for that baby, since it was already confirmed beyond reasonable doubt that the child in her womb was a girl, she told me, “Daddy, but you taught us that with God nothing shall be impossible!” At that point, I decided to agree with her in faith. Beloved, this daughter of mine got what she wanted because the Lord changed the sex of her fully grown foetus from female to male.

In addition to faith, humility could also be seen in the centurion. Despite his stature as a high ranking Roman officer, he did not see himself as worthy enough to have the Lord come into his house. This attitude of humility worked for the centurion, and it will work for you as well. If you have pending acts of repentance or restitution to fulfill, go ahead to do them in humility. Don’t forget to add the icing of praise to your prayer, and you will receive your miracle today in Jesus’ Name.

Open Heaven 4 December 2018 Tuesday Prayer Point:

Father, increase my faith and let the Lordship of Christ prevail over my circumstances today.

Also Read: Open Heaven 3 December 2018 – What do you need from God?

Open Heaven 4 December 2018 Tuesday Hymn 10: My Faith Looks Up To Thee

1. My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

2. May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!

3. While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.

4. When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!

Open Heaven 4 December 2018 Tuesday Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Open Heaven 4 December 2018 Tuesday Daily Devotional.

Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:

Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.

If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

The post Open Heaven 4 December 2018 – When you need a Miracle appeared first on Flatimes.

Christian charities call for commitments on climate change to be honoured

Representatives from 200 nations have gathered in Katowice in southern Poland for the two-week summit which seeks to implement commitments made in Paris in 2015.

Sir David Attenborough addressed the meeting on Monday, warning that climate change was the biggest threat the world has faced for thousands of years.

 

Christian Aid’s Joe Ware told Premier that acting on climate change was a matter of justice for poor nations.

He said: “The great cruel aspect of climate change is that it is hurting the poorest first and worst and it is the poorest who have done the least to contribute to the problem.”

He said poor nations wanted to do their bit by leapfrogging to renewable forms of energy and not repeating the dependence upon fossil fuels of the richer nations.

It is the first major meeting to be held since the landmark Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C came out in October.

The IPCC stated that to keep to the 1.5C goal, governments would have to slash emissions of greenhouse gases by 45 per cent by 2030.

But a recent study showed that CO2 emissions are on the rise again after stalling for four years.

Paul Cook, Head of Advocacy at Christian charity, Tearfund told Premier of the significance of the meeting.

He said: “This is a really critical issue because this is where the global climate change agreements that…

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Remembering President George H.W. Bush: 25 Best Quotes from a Life Well Lived

On November 30th, 2018, President George H.W. Bush left this world for his heavenly home at the age of 94. At the end of his life, this 41st president, war hero, and successful man of great character spoke only of his longing to be reunited again with the love of his life Barbara who he was married to for 73 years, and their young daughter Robin who died at age 3 from leukemia.

But though this greatly loved, inspiring couple is no longer with us here on earth, one thing is sure: their incredible influence has made its mark among us. And our world is better because of it.

The legacy, service, strength, and wisdom of President George H.W. Bush will continue to shine through the lives he influenced, and in the nation he loved.

As we remember and celebrate the life of this humble and courageous man, here are 25 memorable quotes about freedom, giving, serving, love, and the humorous side of life.

25 Best Quotes from President George H.W. Bush on Service, Freedom, and Life:

Photo Credit: White House

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Welby defends his right to make political statements

The Archbishop of Canterbury has been accused of being too critical of the government when it comes to the issue of poverty.

 

Speaking on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show he said he is simply following the words of Jesus.

He was quizzed over his appearence at a union conference earlier this year but Welby claimed he was the seventh archbishop of Canterbury to address the TUC.

That address was widely criticised by Tory MPs due to the union’s link to the Labour Party.

Defending himself, he said: “If I really want to read the Bible and what the prophets and what Jesus said – then I haven’t gone too far.

“I’m not party political, i’m not a member of any political party…I simply try to speak from the Christian scriptures about the values Jesus put forward himself.”

Welby has also been defended by campaign group Church Action on Poverty.

Speaking on Premier’s News Hour, spokesperson Liam Purcell said: “Whenever we see injustice and poverty we’re really called to speak out.

“We have a vision of a more just and compassionate society which is more like the kingdom of heaven and we need to speak out for that vision.”

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

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